Stability and efficiency improvement of perovskite solar cells by controlling synthesis and deposition processing parameters

Organic–inorganic hybrid metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have gained extensive research interest in the last decade due to their low-cost fabrication, excellent optoelectronic properties, and rapid increase in power conversion efficiency. During the past few years, many efforts have been reported on optimising the device structure and the composition, phase, and morphology of the perovskite layer, resulted in efficiency improvement over 23%. Moreover, various works have been carried out on stability improvement of the device by encapsulation, and employment of inorganic perovskites, buffer layers, water-insoluble lead compound, etc.

In this work, the impact of both synthesis and deposition processing parameters of perovskite layer on stability and photovoltaic characteristics of PSC devices is studied. Two different precursor solutions are prepared by starting materials and the single crystalline perovskite. The synthesis processing parameters such as temperature, aging, pH, etc are optimised to prepare perovskite with stable α-phase. In addition, the deposition and heat treatment parameters of spin-coated film, including anti-solvent engineering, aging and temperature, are optimised for high-quality perovskite. The structural and morphological properties of deposited perovskite films are studied by various techniques such as SEM, XRD, PL, UV-vis, etc. The stability of devices is verified by directly testing the performance of the PSCs under long-term illumination and at different periods.

This project is advertised in relation to the research areas of the discipline of Engineering. Candidates should have background in one of these areas: Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering.

For informal enquiries about the project, contact Dr Reza Mohammadi ([Email Address Removed])

For general enquiries about the University of Dundee, contact [Email Address Removed]

Our research community thrives on the diversity of students and staff which helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for postgraduate research. We welcome applications from all talented individuals and are committed to widening access to those who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must have obtained, or expect to obtain, a first or 2.1 UK honours degree, or equivalent for degrees obtained outside the UK in a relevant discipline.

English language requirement: IELTS (Academic) score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 5.5 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s English language requirements are available online: www.dundee.ac.uk/guides/english-language-requirements.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Step 1: Email Dr Reza Mohammadi ([Email Address Removed]) to (1) send a copy of your CV and (2) discuss your potential application and any practicalities (e.g. suitable start date).

Step 2: After discussion with Dr Mohammadi, formal applications can be made via our direct application system. When applying, please follow the instructions below:

Apply for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Mechanical Engineering: Mechanical engineering and mechatronics research degrees | University of Dundee.

Please select the study mode (full-time/part-time) and start date agreed with the lead supervisor.

 In the Research Proposal section, please:

-       Enter the lead supervisor’s name in the ‘proposed supervisor’ box

-       Enter the project title listed at the top of this page in the ‘proposed project title’ box

In the ‘personal statement’ section, please outline your suitability for the project selected.